President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reiterated the government’s assurance that no particular sport will be neglected in developing the sports sector.

Stating that other sports will not be neglected at the expense of developing one sport, the president went on to state that Maldives takes pride in the achievements of the delegation of Maldivian athletes and officials who participated in the South Asian Games 2019 (SAG).

At a meeting held at the President’s Office on Tuesday afternoon, Solih expressed admiration towards the dedication and determination showed by the teams that competed in the SAG and praised them for their achievements in the international sporting event.

While athletes and officials from the women’s football and basketball teams were in attendance at the meeting, the president went on to encourage them to outshine themselves, further.

Having affirmed the government’s priority to improve the sports sector of the country, Solih stated that the administration will always support athletes to strive harder for more achievements.

The meeting was joined by Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof who shared latest updates of efforts being undertaken by the government to develop the sector.

While the president also met with some of the medalists from the Maldives athletics team, following their return upon the conclusion of the sporting event, Solih had stated that Maldives teams’ achievements are proof that it is not necessary for them to belong to a “large country” in order to outperform themselves, adding that this required careful planning and reliable facilities.

The women’s football and basketball teams returned home from the 13th South Asian Games with bronze medals, while the women’s table tennis team also secured a bronze medal at the games and the current fastest man in South Asia, Hassan Saaidh bagged two medals, gold and bronze.